★★★★
Live concert performance of Bruce Springsteen singing songs from his album 'Western Stars'.
Classification: PG
2019 has already delivered Blinded by the Light a terrific little film which celebrated Bruce Springsteen's legacy as a songwriter and how he inspired thousands with his message of hope and independence. If that film wasn't already enough to remind audiences of Springsteen's cultural impact than leave it to The Boss himself as he delivers one of the most spiritual cinematic experiences of the year. Teaming up with long-time collaborator Thom Zimny of over twenty years, Springsteen delivers his latest album Western Stars in a concert film that prioritises intimacy over spectacle. With a combination of concert footage in Springsteen's barn accompanied by a 30 piece orchestra alongside various short films introducing the inspirations behind the album and stories behind the new songs.
Springsteen's barn, a structure over 100 years old is brimming with personality, through its antiquity but how the man himself has made the space his own. Adorned with trinkets and mementoes of Springsteen's own history, the audience is taken to a warm and inviting space that feels timeless. The concert takes place in the barn's loft which has been transformed into a small concert hall, and Zimny has the camera place the audience right in the action. Framed between the silhouetted heads of other guests, the new music is so captivating that it would be easy to believe you are physically in this sacred space yourself. That is the film's intention, Western Stars is an invitation not just to a series of stories but for a greater reflection of life. Having Springsteen surrounded by thousands of screaming fans in a gargantuan auditorium would drown the message, its all about looking beyond the glamour, a celebration of the simple drives of love and life.
Western Stars both the album and this film is a glowing commendation of Bruce Springsteen's talent as a storyteller. Each performance is bookended by short films of visuals with a voiceover from Springsteen explaining his inspirations behind each song. Images of deserts, old cowboys, a classic car driving through the twilight, it's an ode to an old America that many would find unrecognisable now. Zimny's direction has Springsteen appear as the character in most of the shorts, ever keeping the film as personal as possible and Bruce captures the old rugged loom perfectly complete with the hat. The film goes a step forward however by incorporating home movie footage from Springsteen's collection, scenes of parties, dancing, moments that brought people together. An elegant interlude capturing the humble honeymoon of Springsteen and his wife Patti Scialfa from thirty years ago, an incredible reflection on how the little moments are the most important.
The film inspires contemplation on the idea of better times, Springsteen's titular song is about reminiscing for the glory days. However, it's never melancholic, Western Stars always feels hopeful, that our memories be a source of comfort and celebration as the orchestra elevates Springsteen's country drawl to emotional new heights. The music of the film is unmistakably powerful and transports the audience not just into the Barn but to the emotional core of who Springsteen is as a musician. It is a truly collaborative experience as the musicians and audience flow together on the journey that Western Stars delivers that you become lost in the warm comfort of memory. It's intoxicating to get lost in the film, as Springsteen and his collaborators keeps the album on this beautiful balance of meditative and triumphant.
The only downside to Western Stars is the repetitive nature of its editing, it follows the same structure of a short introducing a song, Springsteen then performs the song. It's effective for the first part of the film but after Western Stars, it's clear that Zimny and Springsteen don't have any other visuals to offer the audience. It doesn't harm the quality as both the concert and short films are still breathtaking, the ingenuity of The Boss when performing can never be questioned as he remains ever captivating. However, it is easy for the mind to wander not due to boredom but because it's so simple for your mind to create images to go along with the music. A variation could have helped Western Stars in its latter half to keep it as enthralling as the first but the emotional effect isn't lessened especially when Springsteen would perform with Patti Scialfa and the history and love radiates throughout the film.
A concert film that transcends through its artistic vision, Springsteen and Zimny takes the comforting, fresh yet familiar sound of Western Stars and makes it an invaluable journey for any wandering soul. The inspirations from Glen Campbell or Johnny Cash are admitted but it also enforces how the album and film are about how Springsteen is reflecting on who he is and what's important to him. In the most jubilant and solemn moments of the music, the audience can't help but think about their own life, the moments they cherish, their mistakes and joys, and who they want to share those moments with. When it's all over the credits roll, the Barn is empty and a man sweeps the floor, to the side Springsteen and Scialfa are at the bar, in their own little world. Laughing, smiling and whispering the audience is a given a glimpse of the clarity that Springsteen has and lets Western Stars be the guide for them to find that same feeling of harmony.
'Cause tonight the western stars are shining bright again
Director: #BruceSpringsteen and #ThomZimny
Cast: #BruceSpringsteen, #PattiScialfa
Release Date: October 28th 2019
Trailer:
Written review copyright ©CoreyBullochReviews
Images and Synopsis from the Internet Movie Database
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